I really like this post. The difference introvert / extravert as an HSP wasn’t really clear to me. I thought it was more an introvert ‘thing’ yet I would recognise myself in being an HSP. Now, reading about being an extravert HSP makes total sense to me and I really recognise myself in the profile. I often feel the inner pull-push that you mentioned and struggle to deal with it. Also the fact that I love people and interacting but it requires me a lot of energy. Now it’s all clear!
Thank you so much for your comment Maud and I'm so pleased the post gave you more clarity. Yes this is the thing that people don't realise. You can be a highly sensitive person and an extravert who is energised by socialising but also needs downtime to recover. A constant balancing act!
This was really interesting. I've been wondering for a while where I sit on the introvert/extrovert spectrum as I can definitely swing between the two. That said, your explanation of how an extrovert can still almost have those introvert tendancies and needs for quiet time really help have clarity, and the push-pull concept really resonates. I feel like I suffer from FOMO regularly! I often fight between the desire to go out and be social (and not let people down by cancelling), and the knowledge that I could probably do with a quiet night at home to recharge! I've spent years ignoring that inner voice but I'm trying to listen to it more. :)
Thanks so much for your comment Caroline. I often think if you are questioning whether you are an HSP introvert or an HSP extravert, it's likely that you sway more toward the HSP extravert. I like how clearly you outline the push-pull that you experience in your own life. Thanks also for raising this point of spending years ignoring that inner voice as it will resonate with so many other HSPs here. How can we all learn to tune into that deeper gut knowing (which HSPs have a direct line to from childhood but for various reasons stop listening to it) and trust ourselves?
I'm definitely an Introvert HSP - but didn't really know or understand this growing up so I assumed I was just 'different' somehow... and growing up with anxiety (mostly around social situations) didn't help.
It was only relatively recently that I discovered the Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types which was a gamechanger for me - and then later reading Quiet by Susan Cain. From here I finally understood myself as an introvert and learned how to best manage my energy levels and resources.
Meditating and / or breathing practices are a must for me each day help keep me grounded and present in my own mind and relationships.
Thanks for such an insightful comment James! Myers Brigg and the book Quiet sound like great resources for understanding introversion. I'm actually more of an extravert HSP and have also had to learn to manage my energy because it's very easy to push too hard and then burnout. Wonderful that you have found meditation and breathwork help you to ground and stay present. Such important tools for so many HSPs.
I really notice a difference in my state of mind - and by extension, my relationships - if I forget or have to rush my practices. Managing energy is very important.
When I was first introduced to the concept of the 16 personalities, and then took the test online, I actually cried at the result... for the first time I finally understood myself and my feelings after all those years. Very liberating.
It's very moving to hear how this concept led to so much understanding and liberation for you. And I completely agree that energy management is a priority. It's all about getting into a consistent daily routine with the practices (which is often the part that people find hard to begin with!)
I really like this post. The difference introvert / extravert as an HSP wasn’t really clear to me. I thought it was more an introvert ‘thing’ yet I would recognise myself in being an HSP. Now, reading about being an extravert HSP makes total sense to me and I really recognise myself in the profile. I often feel the inner pull-push that you mentioned and struggle to deal with it. Also the fact that I love people and interacting but it requires me a lot of energy. Now it’s all clear!
Thank you so much for your comment Maud and I'm so pleased the post gave you more clarity. Yes this is the thing that people don't realise. You can be a highly sensitive person and an extravert who is energised by socialising but also needs downtime to recover. A constant balancing act!
This was really interesting. I've been wondering for a while where I sit on the introvert/extrovert spectrum as I can definitely swing between the two. That said, your explanation of how an extrovert can still almost have those introvert tendancies and needs for quiet time really help have clarity, and the push-pull concept really resonates. I feel like I suffer from FOMO regularly! I often fight between the desire to go out and be social (and not let people down by cancelling), and the knowledge that I could probably do with a quiet night at home to recharge! I've spent years ignoring that inner voice but I'm trying to listen to it more. :)
Thanks so much for your comment Caroline. I often think if you are questioning whether you are an HSP introvert or an HSP extravert, it's likely that you sway more toward the HSP extravert. I like how clearly you outline the push-pull that you experience in your own life. Thanks also for raising this point of spending years ignoring that inner voice as it will resonate with so many other HSPs here. How can we all learn to tune into that deeper gut knowing (which HSPs have a direct line to from childhood but for various reasons stop listening to it) and trust ourselves?
Love this post...
I'm definitely an Introvert HSP - but didn't really know or understand this growing up so I assumed I was just 'different' somehow... and growing up with anxiety (mostly around social situations) didn't help.
It was only relatively recently that I discovered the Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types which was a gamechanger for me - and then later reading Quiet by Susan Cain. From here I finally understood myself as an introvert and learned how to best manage my energy levels and resources.
Meditating and / or breathing practices are a must for me each day help keep me grounded and present in my own mind and relationships.
Thanks for such an insightful comment James! Myers Brigg and the book Quiet sound like great resources for understanding introversion. I'm actually more of an extravert HSP and have also had to learn to manage my energy because it's very easy to push too hard and then burnout. Wonderful that you have found meditation and breathwork help you to ground and stay present. Such important tools for so many HSPs.
I really notice a difference in my state of mind - and by extension, my relationships - if I forget or have to rush my practices. Managing energy is very important.
When I was first introduced to the concept of the 16 personalities, and then took the test online, I actually cried at the result... for the first time I finally understood myself and my feelings after all those years. Very liberating.
It's very moving to hear how this concept led to so much understanding and liberation for you. And I completely agree that energy management is a priority. It's all about getting into a consistent daily routine with the practices (which is often the part that people find hard to begin with!)
Well I’m 50+ , I-HSP
& I am today years old.
Dr Genevieve, any go to helps for Managing my Energy? 🙏